Saints Prepare for Giants After Owner’s Criticism

The 3-1-1 New York Giants host the 1-4 New Orleans Saints on Sunday, with New Orleans trying to halt a three-game losing streak and avoid another step toward a sixth straight season without a playoff berth. Saints owner Gayle Benson has publicly criticized the team’s performance and stressed that coach Kellen Moore, general manager Mickey Loomis and the players are accountable; Moore said the focus remains on improving together. The Giants have climbed to the top of the NFC East under first-year coach John Harbaugh, but their running game has been inconsistent, and Harbaugh says the team needs more explosive plays on the ground. New York also had to rally from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit in a tie with Washington, while veteran defensive coordinator Wink Martindale expects the Giants to build on their recent form against a Saints team under pressure.